PART 1: Ian Stark has one rider drop her stirrups a hole while explaining the shorter length makes it very easy to lock the leg which is making her stiffen over the fence. He then builds a line of bounces and challenges the riders to ride in on a looser rein and allow the horses to start snapping off the ground. Ian reiterates the importance of loosening the rein so the horse can use his head and neck to jump, and get out of a tough situation, for example, when he's tired and on the final jumps of the cross country. The riders practice loosening and relaxing to allow their horses front end to move and to give them opportunity to look out for themselves so they don't become careless.
Up Next in Stadium Jumping
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Gymnastics & Stadium Courses - Part 2
PART 2: The riders continue to work down the line of fences, showing steady improvement. Ian Stark shares that this exercise is one he uses for the young horses in his own program, right up to four star horses, as he interacts with auditors. As the horses gains confidence Ian encourages the rider...
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Gymnastics & Stadium Courses - Part 3
Part 3: The riders each jump around the course while Ian observes and then discusses their riding and their horse, with each of them. One rider's horse almost jumps an additional jump when she's slow to react, providing Ian an opportunity to remind her about the importance of her eye in setting t...
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Gymnastics & Stadium Courses - Part 4
Part 4: Ian Stark takes to the saddle of a talented mare who has been very against the hand in his lesson. He jumps her around with a focus on less leg and encouraging a light contact, and recommends her rider mix up how she is being jumped, incorporating corners and turns to surprise her and kee...
